The IECA Regional Symposia, held in Milan in 2023, Madrid in 2024, Glasgow in 2025, and Paris in 2026, have become key events for fostering collaboration, learning, and networking within the European higher educational community. IECA consultants work closely with families and students, guiding and preparing them through an often complex university admission process. Since IECA consultants cannot receive university commissions, we offer valuable and unbiased advice. While we work independently for families, it is also essential for IECs to learn about as many universities as possible to bring students a wide variety of higher education options. Collaborating on a volunteer basis with these institutions allows us to gain valuable insights into their academic strengths, research innovations, and unique campus cultures.

For host institutions, these symposia provide an excellent opportunity to showcase their strengths to a global network of independent educational consultants, enhancing their international visibility and reputation. Moreover, the events offer universities a direct avenue to network with key influencers in student recruitment, potentially increasing both local and international student applications and enrollment. The symposia also facilitate cultural and educational exchange, helping consultants better understand the host country's institution, educational system, culture, and opportunities, which in turn, allows them to more effectively advise students seeking study abroad experiences.

To register your interest in being a future host of an IECA Regional Symposium, please complete this survey. For more information on IECA, please visit the IECA website.

If you have any questions about this form or the symposia planning process, please contact Rachel King, IECA Director of Conferences and Events, at [email protected].
2) Address of Institution(Required)
Please provide the name of the primary contact for this event, as well as their email address and phone number, should questions arise as we review your responses.
Primary Contact Name(Required)
4) Are you interested in hosting the IECA Regional Symposium on behalf of a consortium of universities or as an individual institution?(Required)
6) Which year(s) are you interested in hosting? Please select all if you are open to hosting any year in the next four years.(Required)
The symposia include 150 participants (90 independent educational consultants, 45 university representatives, 8 sponsors, 1 IECA staff member). The typical cost model for an IECA Regional Symposium is:
  • Participants pay for their transportation and accommodations.
  • Event space is typically offered in kind by the host.
  • Host typically covers coffee breaks each morning and lunch both days.
  • Host covers staffing to manage the event, photocopies, tech support (AV equipment, lighting, sound systems, etc.) and setup costs.
  • Dinners are typically covered by sponsors recruited through IECA outreach.
9) Is this IECA Regional Symposium cost model viable for your institution?(Required)
10) Is there a general session room at your institution with a capacity of 150+ attendees?(Required)
11) Are four breakout rooms with a capacity for 40-60 people each available at your institution?(Required)
12) Separate from the general session and breakout rooms, is there a space to accommodate 15 tables, seating 10 people each, for roundtable discussions at your institution?(Required)
13) One valuable feature of the IECA Regional Symposium is interaction with education providers from the host region. Again, separate from the spaces noted above, is an exhibitor space available for the duration of the symposium (ideally near coffee break space/high-traffic area) for a 50+ exhibitor university/school/gap year fair? This can be on campus or adjacent.(Required)
14) Is the venue accessible to all guests, including those with physical disabilities?(Required)
15) Technical support: Do you have technical staff available to assist with AV equipment, lighting, and sound systems?(Required)
16) Internet connectivity: Can you ensure reliable internet access for live streaming, presentations, and communication?(Required)
17) Audio-visual equipment: Select all that apply.(Required)
19) Is your institution able to sponsor coffee first thing in the morning and during breaks, as well as lunch on both days of the symposium?(Required)
20) Catering for 150 participants: Select all that apply.(Required)
22) Can you negotiate room blocks or discounts with hotels for event attendees?(Required)
24) Will you be able to arrange transportation services for attendees if the venue is remote?(Required)
25) Will you be able to help plan the onsite check-in process for attendees with support from the IECA Regional Symposium Planning Committee?(Required)
26) Are security protocols in place to ensure the safety of attendees and the property?(Required)
27) Do you have an emergency response plan in case of medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other unexpected incidents?(Required)
28) Can you make first aid supplies available and facilitate access to medical personnel during the event, if the need arises?(Required)
30) If you are a member of a consortium/association, is the consortium/association interested in hosting pre- or post-symposium tours and can a representative help coordinate tours with a representative from the IECA Regional Symposium Planning Committee?(Required)
Thank you for your interest in hosting the IECA Regional Symposium and for taking the time to fill out this form. We’re excited about the prospect of collaborating with your institution and look forward to communicating with you as soon as we review all applications.